6 Outdoor Spots in Columbia for Perfect Family Photographs

Whether you have chosen a professional photographer or are equipped with your own point and shoot, finding the best place to take family photos can be a tall order. Luckily, Columbia has many outdoor options for creating fantastic photographs. Here is our list of six outdoor spots in Columbia for perfect family photographs.

Featuring 70 acres of beautiful blooms, the Riverbanks Botanical Gardens provide a gorgeous backdrop for family photos. Spring and Fall are the ideal times to take photos at the gardens, as the flowers and plants will be at their peak. However, there is always something in bloom to create a nice backdrop all year long. There is also a charming children’s garden and play area that can be used for great candid shots of your children at play.

Located in the heart of the USC campus, the horseshoe will lead itself to some truly lovely shots. Whether you opt to sit on the grass beside a stately tree or pose in front of the historic buildings surrounding the horseshoe area, your portraits will be steeped in the history of the university.

Hours: Open daily

Location: 902 Sumter Street, Columbia 29208

The Rowan family posing for their family portraits on the USC horseshoe. Photography by Stacey Coats

Visit the State House grounds in November and early December and you will find yourself in the company of many families looking for a Christmas card photo. The giant Christmas tree provides the perfect festive backdrop. Visit in the spring and you might run into some prom parties taking photos on the stairs. Regardless, you’ll be sure to capture some beautiful shots that are deep rooted in with our capital’s history.

Hours: Open daily

Location:1100 Gervais Street, Columbia 29201

My sweeties on the State House grounds during our family photo shoot. Photography by Stacey Coats

There are so many great places to take photos at the Canal and Riverfront Park! Canal side you have the old water works building with its fantastic big red barn door that a certain Moms Blog might have posed in front of recently 😉 . Along the Riverfront there are gorgeous views of the Gervais and Blossom St. bridges.

Looking for a picturesque gazebo to pose your family in? Irmo Town Park has one! How about a bridge overlooking a small pond sprinkled with lily pads? It has that too! This shady park is small, but very quaint. Get there in late afternoon for the best natural light.

Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m

Location: 1249 Lexington Ave, Irmo 29063

Picturesque backgrounds include lots of greenery, a gazebo, bridge and pond – what more could you want?

Babbling brooks, roaring waterfalls, rocky paths and the fountain provide the perfect photo backdrop. Bonus: There is a big playground and a large field for kids to run around – a great opportunity for them to burn off energy and for you to snap some some great candid shots. Grab the family and relax in one of the porch swings around the park – you may even be able to score a picture on one with the skyline of downtown Columbia in the background.

Hours: Daily, sunrise to sunset

Location: 930 Laurel Street, Columbia 29201

The fountain at Finlay Park is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Columbia.

Have you chosen one of these six spots for a family photo shoot? Is there another place in Columbia you recommend?

About Ashleigh

Ashleigh always knew she wanted to be a mom, but a stay at home mom, not so much. At 26 she found herself trading in her lipstick and high heels for Burt’s Bee’s and nursing bras. The first of their core group of friends to have kids, Ashleigh and her husband Eric strive to maintain their fun loving lifestyle while simultaneously raising their toddler daughter. Luckily, Tiny Girl is an adorable extrovert who loves getting out and about as much as her parents. On weekends you can find the threesome strolling the aisles of Target, road tripping it to Charleston, or hosting friends in Irmo for epic board game battles.